Redsand Canyon sepelio

"you have nothing for which to apologize. i am willing to admit that my heavyhandedness was perhaps unwarranted. i am not above revealing that i too am still learning more than what i knew."

germanicus stilled. often he had thought it would be easier to hold fast to what was known rather than choose a new path. and he was finding now that this was not so. yet the knowledge that he must make different choices left him rather bereft.

"you have done much to earn ours, aquene. you have managed your training as a fighter while maintaining expertise in your chosen field. i would be remiss to drive you away." it was not quite a smile that touched germanicus now, perhaps only a brief thawing of his solemnity.

the imperator motioned to the plant she had had put away. "i found that in the eastern part of the forest in a clearing where deer tend to bed. what is it?"